Our Team

Talk to an Expert

Dr. Aquavella is a highly trained corneal specialist. As an ophthalmologist and scientist who focuses his attention on this part of the eye, he is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat dry eye. Let his experience work for you to help you better understand your condition and increase your comfort. Dr. Nally has worked with our refractive center and performed comprehensive eye care, where she has noticed an increasing number of patients suffering from Dry Eye Disease. This special interest has motivated her to developed the Dry Eye Center for the Flaum Eye Institute where patients can receive individualized diagnosis and treatment for their condition. Dr. Vaz is a PROSE Clinical Fellow. PROSE is a specialized contact lens that is customized to help restore visual function to people suffering from complex corneal problems including keratoconus, severe dry eye, neurotrophic keratitis, corneal dystrophies, and more.

James Aquavella, MD Professor of Ophthalmology
James Aquavella is the first fellowship-trained corneal specialist in the United States. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of medical and surgical treatments of the eye and is one of the world’s most published researchers on the causes and treatment of dry eye. He is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and earned his medical degree at the Medical University of Italy. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at Brooklyn Hospital Center and his cornea fellowship at Harvard University. He is board-certified and has been selected to Best Doctors in America.

Tara Vaz, OD Assistant Professor
Tara Vaz has 13 years of extensive clinical experience in private practice and as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the State College of Optometry. Dr. Vaz was also a Principal Research Optometrist at Bausch & Lomb, where she provided clinical research support for vision care product development. Dr. Vaz is a New York State certified Optometrist and fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. In addition to providing routine optometric services, Vaz is certified by BostonSight® to offer patients PROSE (prosthetic replacement of the ocular surface ecosystem). This revolutionary treatment provides relief and helps restore visual function to people suffering from complex corneal problems including keratoconus, severe dry eye, corneal dystrophies, ocular graft-versus-host disease and more.